A "SUPER-ATM" is set to be rolled out in Leigh and Billericay allowing people to withdraw and deposit money with multiple banks.

The first machine is already in use in Atherstone, Warwickshire, but after its success further machines are now to be tested elsewhere.

Cash Access UK, who are behind the initiative, say it is vital for those struggling to access basic banking services.

Billericay and Leigh are now set to be part of the “super ATM” trial with exact location set to be revealed “very soon”.

Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend Council, said: “This is very welcome news for our city.

“The ability to pay with, withdraw, and deposit cash is vital to so many people and small businesses as well.

“The loss of cash banking facilities in High Streets across the country has had a detrimental effect on small businesses and has excluded many people from participating in their economy.

“I am sure this will be a great success for Leigh and I hope to see more of these across the city.”

These new deposit machines provide convenient access to cash services such as withdrawals, balance inquiries, and PIN management for customers of all major banks.

They also offer free cash deposits for customers of Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank, with further additions expected soon.

This introduction follows a wave of bank closures across south Essex that left numerous customers without basic banking services in the area, impacting individuals and small business owners alike.

In recent years Leigh has seen scores of banks close with Barclays, Halifax, TSB and HSBC pulling out. Billericay has seen the loss of banks including Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest and HSBC.

National chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Martin McTague said: “Cash remains an important part of the payments mix for many consumer-facing small businesses and their customers.

“The ability to deposit in a super-ATM that works for multiple banks is an important innovation and could make a real difference alongside the accelerated rollout of Banking Hubs and maintenance of Post Office counters.”